Chronic Venous Insufficiency: How a Laser Vein Treatment Can Help

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: How a Laser Vein Treatment Can Help
October 19, 2023

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) can be a very difficult condition to live with. It may not be a serious health threat, but it can be incredibly painful for those suffering from it. If CVI is not properly treated, it can cause not just pain but also swelling, ulcers in the leg, varicose veins, and more. Fortunately, several chronic venous insufficiency treatments can help greatly relieve the symptoms of this condition, including laser vein treatment.

What Is Laser Vein Treatment?

Laser vein treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that is technically called endovenous laser ablation. It involves using a laser fiber heat source to close off problematic veins. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and can be done under local anesthesia. The doctor will make a small incision, then insert a catheter into the vein. They will then use an ultrasound to guide the catheter up the vein into an optimal position. Once in position, the catheter will be drawn slowly backward while releasing heat. This will close off the vein behind the heat, which will allow blood to stop pooling in that area and be rerouted to healthier veins.

You will be able to head home around 30 minutes after finishing the treatment. After the procedure, you will have a home care regimen that you must follow closely for the best results. This will include wearing compression stockings daily for around 5 to 7 days. You should avoid any strenuous exercise for a week after the procedure, but walking is often encouraged to help with recovery.

Causes of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Several conditions and factors can contribute to the development of chronic venous insufficiency. These include:

● Damage to the legs from surgery, injury, or blood clots

● Pregnancy

● Genetics

● Being overweight

● Smoking

● Blood clot in a deep vein

● Phlebitis (inflammation or swelling in a vein that is near to the skin)

● High blood pressure in the legs from too much sitting or standing

Several of these conditions can be remedied by lifestyle changes. While laser vein treatment can be great for some level of immediate relief from chronic venous insufficiency, it should not be the only step you take. Consult with your doctor about lifestyle changes that can help improve your CVI further, as well as your overall health.

Potential Side Effects and Complications from Endovenous Laser Ablation

The risk for major complications from laser ablation is low, but some side effects can arise, such as:

● Temporary numbness

● Bruising

● Inflammation

● Bleeding

● Burns

● Changes in skin color over the treated area

Some potential major complications can include:

● Nerve Damage

● Infection

● Blood Clots

As with any medical procedure, keep your doctor informed during your recovery. If you are experiencing any major issues or side effects that are lasting too long or getting worse, be sure to contact your doctor right away. If there are major issues, they need to be evaluated and addressed right away. It is always better to give your doctor more information than necessary, rather than not enough.

Are You Seeking Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

If you are looking to get endovenous laser ablation or would like to learn about other chronic venous insufficiency treatments, give us a call. Here at BASS Vein Center, we are experts when it comes to vein-related conditions and we offer many forms of treatment to address all types of vein conditions. Give us a call today so that we can schedule a consultation for your condition.

More Vein Blog Posts

See All Blogs

Ready to change your life?

Vein surgery can be life changing for many people and a huge boost of confidence, let's get you scheduled for a consultation.